Who can take oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray
If you're approaching the menopause and have symptoms (perimenopause) or have already gone through the menopause (post-menopause) you can usually take oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray.
Unless you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb you'll need to take oestrogen with progestogen.
Who may not be able to take oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray
Oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray are not suitable for everyone. To make sure they're safe for you, tell a doctor or specialist nurse if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to oestrogen or any of the ingredients in the tablet, patch, gel or spray, or to any other medicine
- have ever had breast cancer, are having tests for breast cancer, or are considered high risk due to family history
- have ever had any other type of cancer
- have vaginal bleeding with no known cause
- have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- have thrombophilia, a condition that increases the risk of blood clots
- have ever had angina or a heart attack
- have liver problems
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a rare inherited condition called porphyria
- have diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have migraines or severe headaches